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Shamshiri Grill
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Shamshiri Grill
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Westwood institution since the early 1980s, Shamshiri Grill serves generous platters of Persian kebabs, stews, and fresh breads in a space that turns from casual by day to softly romantic at night. It’s a neighborhood standby for multi-generational celebrations and big-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh and barg kebab combo, Lamb shank with baghali polo, Tahchin with chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running Persian spot known for heaping kebab platters and fresh bread.
Who should go: Families and big groups craving a hearty Persian feast.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the grill is packed and lively.
What to order: Mixed kebab platter, lamb shank, tahchin with chicken.
Insider tip: Order extra sangak bread and plan to take leftovers home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and adjacent residential streets; can be competitive during peak dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; families, students, and dressed-up groups all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still manageable for group conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian stews, appetizers, and kabob plates.
Vegan options: Several items can be made vegan (stews, salads, rice dishes), but selection is moderate.
Gluten-free options: Many kabobs, stews, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; ask about sauces and marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for second or third dates — portions are large, the vibe is warm and bustling, and it’s more about comfort than intimate ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for smaller groups, especially early evening or weekdays. Larger parties should call ahead to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — relaxed atmosphere, big booths, shareable plates, and mild options make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, traditional Persian flavors, and big-group celebrations where everyone wants to share plates and leave full.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or a high-end tasting-menu experience — the energy here leans lively and abundant.
Shamshiri Grill
8.8
Shamshiri Grill is a long-running Tehrangeles institution serving mesquite-grilled kebabs, stews, and tahchin with freshly baked bread from an open kitchen. The room feels casual by day and gently romantic at night, making it a default choice for everything from student dinners to multigenerational family gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Shamshiri combo (barg and koobideh), Lamb shank with saffron rice, Tahchin with chicken and crispy rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Since 1981, a cornerstone for Persian comfort cooking on Westwood.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Persian platters near UCLA.
When to visit: Dinner hours when the grill and dining room buzz.
What to order: Beef Shamshiri combo, lamb shank, tahchin with stew-topped crispy rice.
Insider tip: Ask for tahdig topped with your favorite stew before it sells out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and side streets; busiest after 6pm. Small private lot behind the building fills quickly but often turns over every 15–20 minutes.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, polos, and casual dresses all fit in; slightly dressier at dinner.
Noise level: Moderate. Easy for conversation at most tables, with a gentle dinner rush hum rather than loud music.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small parties, longer for groups of 6+.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but fast-moving flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian stews, appetizers, and kabob plates.
Vegan options: Moderate — several stews, rice plates, and sides can be prepared vegan; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many kabobs and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; breads and some stews contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Dinner lighting is warm and relaxed, and the mix of grilled meats and shareable starters makes it an easy, low-pressure date spot without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually. Walk-ins are common, especially for parties of 2–4. Larger groups should call ahead on weekends to reduce wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families dine here often. High chairs are available, portions are generous, and mild kabobs and rice plates work well for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable mesquite-grilled kabobs, generous portions, and a classic Tehrangeles experience that feels welcoming for both everyday meals and casual celebrations.
Skip if: You want a modern, trend-driven Persian menu or a quieter fine-dining environment; this is more of a lively, traditional staple.
Shamshiri Grill
8.6
A Little Persia landmark since the early 1980s, Shamshiri Grill serves mesquite-grilled kabobs, stews, and specialty rice plates in a bustling dining room that flips from casual midday to softly lit at night. Its long menu and generous portions make it a default choice for Westwood families, students, and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Shamshiri Signature Platter, Chicken Kabob, Pomegranate Walnut Stew
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Persian staple with huge portions and deep menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting shareable kabobs, stews, and specialty rice.
When to visit: Dinner hours when the grill and dining room buzz.
What to order: Beef Shamshiri, chicken kabob, tahchin or fesenjan.
Insider tip: Ask for the vegan menu if you’re plant-based but hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and side streets; usually manageable before 6pm but can be tight during dinner rush. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, sweaters, and everyday outfits are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational but lively, with peak bustle during dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during the 6:30–8pm window, faster for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except for brief rushes around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple kabobs, stews, and rice dishes built around vegetables and legumes.
Vegan options: Good support—Shamshiri maintains a dedicated vegan menu with several mains and sides.
Gluten-free options: Many kabobs and rice plates are naturally gluten-free; stews vary. Staff is accustomed to advising gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for comfortable, conversation-friendly dinners with generous portions; not ideal if you want a quieter, more intimate fine-dining vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common, especially for small groups. Weekends benefit from calling ahead to minimize peak-hour waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—large tables, forgiving noise level, and approachable dishes like chicken kabobs and rice make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed dietary needs, and hearty Persian comfort dishes with consistent quality and generous portions.
Skip if: You want upscale ambience, a quiet date spot, or a short menu built around modern small plates.